Nations come together to fight air pollution

World Health Organisation along with United Nation Environment Programme have said that Health and environment officials from over 24 countries have committed to reducing the annual 12.6 million deaths due to pollution.

Moroccan Environment Minister Hakima El Haite said in a statement, "This landmark declaration has raised consensus for better articulation of our efforts to find a solution to major health, environmental and climate challenges".

According to WHO, around 12.6 million deaths a year are associated with environmental pollution. Of these, an estimated 6.5 million deaths (11.6 per cent) are due to air pollution. Most pollution-related deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. However, outdoor air pollution remains prevalent in high-income countries as well, with nine out of 10 people worldwide exposed to air pollution that exceeds WHO air quality guidelines for fine particulate matter.

The declaration encourages the health and environment sectors to exchange experiences, technical expertise and best practices to enhance health and protect the environment. These global links do not exist yet.